Atlanta acquired tight end Jonnu Smith from New England for a…
Atlanta acquired tight end Jonnu Smith from New England for a 2023 seventh-round pick. Smith responded with 50 receptions for 582 yards and three touchdowns in 2023, all career highs or near-career highs at the time, before Atlanta released him the next offseason. New England used No. 245 on Isaiah Bolden, who later appeared in 14 games without a start in 2024. One strong season for a seventh-rounder favors Atlanta.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Jonnu Smith
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2023 7th round pick (245th overall, Isaiah Bolden)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Atlanta traded a 2023 seventh-round pick to New England for tight end Jonnu Smith. The Patriots were moving on after two seasons in which a major free-agent investment had not produced the expected receiving role. Atlanta reunited Smith with coach Arthur Smith and added another versatile tight end to an offense that already featured Kyle Pitts. New England used the resulting No. 245 pick on cornerback Isaiah Bolden.
Why Atlanta Got More Than a Throw-In
Jonnu Smith became a genuine part of the Falcons' 2023 offense. He caught 50 passes for 582 yards and three touchdowns, providing yards after the catch and formation flexibility throughout the season. Atlanta released him the following offseason, so the return lasted only one year, but the acquisition price was merely a seventh-round selection. Getting 582 receiving yards from that level of draft capital is a strong short-term result.
How New England's Reset Worked
The Patriots' benefit was partly financial and structural: they moved on from a contract and role that had not worked as intended and recovered a late pick. Bolden, the player selected at No. 245, later appeared in 14 games for New England in 2024 but did not start. That is useful roster depth from a seventh-rounder, yet it does not match the immediate offensive production Atlanta received from Smith.
Final Verdict
Atlanta earns a B and New England a C. The Patriots had sound reasons to reset the position and recovered a player from the late pick, so their side was not empty. Still, 50 catches and 582 yards for the cost of a seventh-rounder is the strongest direct return in the deal. Hindsight supports an Atlanta Falcons Win.